The correct wording is Abruzzese Maremma Sheepdog , abbreviated to PMA, looks like a white cloud of fur with a strong-willed and independent character.

A dog of considerable size , full of positive aspects, but certainly not suitable for everyone. He is not the classic dog that submits to his owner, but that does not mean that he does not show him affection and respect.

Origins
Morphology
Psychology and character
Care

Origins of the Maremma Shepherd

The Maremma Shepherd is an ancient dog , there are traces of it in writings dating back to the first and second centuries BC in which they are cited as ” white shepherd dogs, upright guardians of the flocks and effective antagonists of the wolf and bear “.

The origins are those of shepherd dogs of the Abruzzi and of shepherd dogs of the Maremma that came into contact and crossed with the continuous transhumance.

Their beauty and grandeur was noticed by important Tuscan families in the early twentieth century, giving life to farms and a careful selection.

Morphology of the Maremma Shepherd

The Maremma Shepherd is an imposing dog, with a considerable size, strong, massive, resistant. It can measure 73 cm in height at the withers and weigh around 50 kg. It is referred to as a rustic dog , which adapts well to all climatic conditions. It has well structured legs to support its weight.

Its voluminous and long hair is single-colored, white, with a semi-vitreous consistency, that is, it does not absorb dirt, so a dry brush is enough to make it clean white.

The undercoat is particularly dense and guarantees protection in case of particularly harsh climates. The coat appears woolly, rough to the touch.

Its head is very large with high earsand drooping and small dark eyes.

Psychology of the Maremma Shepherd

This large dog has a balanced character. It is totally devoid of predatory instinct , therefore it does not manifest innate aggression, it becomes attached to both its family and any other animals and interacts ” on an equal footing “, it does not have a dominant or submissive instinct, not even with its owner.

It seeks and establishes a sort of equal relationship , in compliance with the rules. He is a reliable dog, courageous and instinctively inclined to protect his clan, but very independent, not prone to fuss or emotionally dependent on cuddles.

Care of the Maremma Shepherd

The Maremmano is an extremely resistant dog , its life expectancy can reach 13 years, it enjoys excellent health and is generally not subject to pathologies, not even those of a hereditary nature.

It needs large spaces to move around and is not suitable for living at home. The hair needs constant brushing and in summer or during the moult it will certainly have to be particularly cared for to allow the skin to transpire.

The diet must be well balanced and divided into several meals. The Maremmano is prone to frugal meals , it is difficult to overeat.